10 Best Beach Towns In Florida Perfect For A Honeymoon

Are you planning your relaxing vacation and wanting to find the best beach towns in Florida? Look no further!

You’ve secured your wedding venue, booked the caterers, and chosen your menu items, the guest list is ready, and you’ve found a marriage officiant. So what’s next? Now it’s time to decide where to go on your honeymoon. It’s that ultra special once-in-a-lifetime trip that every couple wants to be just perfect in every way. If it’s the sun and sea you’re after, you and your spouse will find your favorite spot in one of these beach towns in Florida. Florida has so much to offer, with its beautiful white sandy beaches, award-winning dining, theme parks, and more. 

Grayton Beach

In Northwest Florida, this small and remarkably undisturbed beach village was rated in 2020 as the Number 1 beach in America. Between Panama City and Pensacola, along the Gulf of Mexico, Grayton Beach is one of the best beach towns in Florida, with its designated Blue Wave Beach.

Grayton Beach State Park is 400 acres of pure paradise with its coastal dune lake, pristine beaches, and nature all around you.

Things To Do

• Nature Trails – Walk through a coastal forest, up steep dunes, and through a salt marsh.
• Other Activities – Horseback riding, biking, beachcombing, or boating.
• Go for a paddleboard out on the Western Lake. 
• You can also choose to go fishing with the area’s charter fishing fleet.
• Visit the lovely art galleries and unique boutique shops.
•  Eat And Drink – There are some lovely restaurants and cafes.
  • Black Bread Co. is great for breakfast.
  • Grayton Seafood Company is a favorite if brunch is more your style.
  • Hurricane Oyster Bar is a must for dinner.

Where To Stay

Hibiscus Coffee is a lovely guesthouse if you are looking for an old-fashioned romantic getaway.

Destin

Located on the Florida Panhandle, snug against the Gulf of Mexico, you’ll find Destin. This is one of Florida’s best beach towns that locals call “the world’s luckiest fishing village” because you’re guaranteed a good catch. 

Known for its outstanding Southern hospitality, miles of beautiful white sandy shores, and emerald green waters, it’s at the top of the list for many newlyweds’ as the best honeymoon destination.

Destin boasts pristine beaches with perfect weather, but there are also endless opportunities for bird-watching, water sports, retail therapy, and entertainment. And if the unthinkable were to happen and you found yourself on a rainy day don’t worry Destin is known for its activities and there are plenty of them.

Things To Do

• Water Activities – If you love the outdoors, you’re in for a treat! You can go fishing, snorkeling, stand-up paddleboarding, or kayaking.
• Dinner And Drinks – Destin Harbor Boardwalk is a great place for an evening walk with excellent restaurants and bars.
• Visit Crab Island – Crab Island is a very famous underwater sandbar landmark. Go on a cruise or hop on a floating Tikki bar and have a drink.

Where To Stay

Emerald Grande Resort – Enjoy the most beautiful sunsets, private beach, spa, hot tubs, gift shops, heated indoor and outdoor pools, and top-class dining at the Grande Vista Bar & Grill. 

Key West

Key West is a one-of-a-kind beach town in Florida. Located at the end of the Florida Keys and, without a doubt, ranked one of the best beach towns in Florida. It feels a lot like the Caribbean. It is quaint but lively, with colorful beach houses painted in pastel colors and a destination that should be visited at least once.  

Things To Do

• Romantic Sunset – As newlyweds, getting cozy on the silky, soft sand to watch the incredible sunset is one of the most romantic ways to spend your evening. Or head on over to Sunset Tiki Bar and Grill for some cocktails while enjoying tropical music, looking over beautiful panoramic views.
• Join everyone at Mallory Square before the sun sets into the Gulf of Mexico to enjoy good food, music, and performances.
• Food – Seafood is what you want when you’re visiting Key West. If you’re thinking of brunch, the place to go is Blue Heaven. Give Fisherman’s Café or Eaton Street Seafood Market a try for lunch. Old Town Bakery is superb if you’re into sweet treats.
• Drinks – Sloppy Joe’s is the place to be after dinner.
• Visit Bahia Honda State Park – this tropical destination is a beachside park lined with palm trees, covering over 500 acres. It’s the perfect location for a day of tanning, boating, kayaking, and snorkeling.

Join everyone at Mallory Square before the sun sets into the Gulf of Mexico to enjoy good food, music, and performances.

• Food – Seafood is what you want when you’re visiting Key West. If you’re thinking of brunch, the place to go is Blue Heaven. Give Fisherman’s Café or Eaton Street Seafood Market a try for lunch. Old Town Bakery is superb if you’re into sweet treats.
• Drinks – Sloppy Joe’s is the place to be after dinner.
• Visit Bahia Honda State Park – this tropical destination is a beachside park lined with palm trees, covering over 500 acres. It’s the perfect location for a day of tanning, boating, kayaking, and snorkeling.

Where To Stay

The Marker Key West Harbor Resort – A top-rated luxury hotel located near top attractions in the northern part of Key West.

Ocean Key Resort & Spa – This exquisite Resort & Spa on Duval Street is just a few steps away from entertainment and the Gulf of Mexico is this magnificent Resort & Spa on Duval Street. This luxury resort offers gourmet dining, couple’s massage, a full-service spa, fitness center, private cabanas, a swimming pool, a gift shop, and more.

Tip: Hurricane season is from June to November. Avoid booking over this period, as you could face some crazy storms. 

Clearwater

This beach town in Florida is on the Gulf Coast and is known for Clearwater Beach, which is one of the best beaches in North America. 

Things To Do

• Spend time on the beautiful soft, white sandy beach.
• Enjoy the Sunset at Pier 60 – This is a perfect spot to watch the sun go down, with an incredible atmosphere. There’s also the option of going on a sunset cruise.
• Snacks And Drinks – Many inviting ice cream parlors and beach bars along the promenade.

Where To Stay

Shephard’s Beach Resort – Rated the Number 1 Beachside Entertainment Resort, with its private beach, pools, restaurant, and more! 

Cocoa Beach

Easily rated one of the best beach towns in Florida. Cocoa Beach is not only beautiful, but the Kennedy Space Center is not far. This makes Cocoa Beach one of the best beach towns in Florida for families too.

Cocoa Beach is an ideal honeymoon destination. It’s a unique small town but still has that Florida town vibe.

Things To Do

• Kennedy Space Center – 30 min drive, where you can learn about NASA.
• Historic Cocoa Village – Full of boutiques and beautiful historic houses. It’s a charming place to walk around.
• Watch the Sunset – Head on over to the famous Cocoa Beach Pier to watch the sun go down at the end of the day.

Where To Stay

Hilton Cocoa Beach Oceanfront – Direct access to the beach, fitness center, and outdoor pool. Enjoy a restaurant meal, or relax and drink at the beach bar and the poolside bar. 

Sanibel Island

This beach town in Florida is on the Gulf Coast, north of Fort Myers. With magnificent beaches and a perfect place to relax, Sanibel Island is one of the best small beach towns in Florida for nature lovers.

Things To Do

• Relax on the Beach – Check out Sanibel Lighthouse Beach Park, Blind Pass Beach, and Bowman’s Beach.
• Shelling – Out of all the beach towns in Florida, with 250 unique types of seashells, Sanibel Island is the ultimate for shelling. 
• Sailing – This is your chance to spend the day out on the water, watching the dolphins.
• Cycling – Sanibel Island is filled with bike paths along the beach, and many lead you through some lovely areas.

Where To StayIf you’re looking for a superb beachfront resort, Island Inn is perfect for anyone wanting nothing more than a relaxing vacation. 

Sunny Isles

Not even 2 miles long, with the most beautiful waterfront hotel in the country, Sunny Isles is undoubtedly one of the best small beach towns in Florida. This significant bit of paradise has so much to offer. There is plenty to do, a bit of adventure, and you can spoil yourself with some fantastic dining.
Things To Do

• Haulover Beach Park – Just one block north, you get to escape the skyscrapers for a pristine open shoreline with not one building in sight.
• Oleta River State Park – Go on an adventure to the largest urban park in Florida. Spend the day biking, fishing, and kayaking.
• Suppose bread and pastries are your thing, head on over to Granier. This bakery has the best breakfasts, lunch, and pastries, serving some of the best freshly-baked bread and desserts.

Where To Stay

Acqualina Resort & Spa – Book your stay at this award-winning waterfront hotel right in the heart of lovely Sunny Isles. 

Surfside

Of all the beach towns in Florida, Surfside is all about pure luxury and quiet beaches. Away from the shoreline, this Miami Beach suburb has a bit of art deco history.The nice part about Surfside is that it can all be conquered on foot, so there’s no need to worry about where to park.

Things To Do

• Harding Avenue – Take a lovely stroll down Surfside’s downtown district, complete with bars, restaurants, and shops. 
• Dining – For such a small town, there are so many places to eat.
• Drinks – Sit back, and sip on a cocktail while you take in the most spectacular views of the surrounding water and Miami skyline from the rooftop bar at the Grand Beach Hotel.

Where To Stay

Four Seasons Hotel at the Surf Club – Indulge in a spa treatment, wander through Mediterranean-inspired grounds, and dine at the exquisite a la carte Surf Club Restaurant. 

Siesta Key

This cozy place to stay is another of the best small beach towns in Florida.

Siesta Key is magnificent, with perfect white sandy beaches. Just what newlyweds need for those relaxing days on their honeymoon.

The Siesta Key Oyster Bar is famous for its fresh seafood. And there’s no shortage of local shops for ice cream on a super hot day.

Things To Do

• Tours and Sightseeing – Spend an amazing day out on the boat wildlife watching on a Sarasota Charter Tour Not only will you experience all the beauty Siesta Key has to offer but you will also get to explore Casey Key and Venice while out on the water.
• Romantic Sunset Electric Bike Tour – One of the best ways to experience the beauty of Siesta Key is to watch the beautiful sunset while on an electric bike tour along the entire length of Siesta Beach. Upon your return from the tour you will find fresh fruit, beautiful wine, and a cheese picnic waiting for you to relax and enjoy the rest of your evening.

Where To Stay

Tropical Breeze Resort – Within walking distance to Downtown Siesta Key and Siesta Key Beach.

The Capri at Siesta – This luxury boutique beach resort is set amongst lovely tropical trees, with a pool and private access to Crescent Beach.  

Key Largo

If it’s quiet beachside hotels, charming restaurants, and the most picturesque sunsets that you’re after, consider spending your honeymoon in Key Largo. 

A total change of pace from the hustle and bustle in Miami, this oceanfront spot is perfect for spending a few days jet skiing, sailing, swimming, and even fishing. 

Visitors can enjoy the underwater hotel, scuba diving, and dolphin encounter programs.

Key Largo offers nature trails, boasting some of the most beautiful botanical scenery in all of the beach towns in Florida.

Things To Do

• Outdoor Activities – If you want to explore all the beauty that Key Largo has to offer then what better way to do it than to go on a Mangrove Tunnel Kayak Adventure. This 3-hour tour will take you through crystal clear water and if you are lucky enough you’ll get to see some of the amazing wildlife which includes fish, birds, manatees, and turtles.
• Private and Custom Tour – Being a newlywed you will definitely want the privacy of a romantic sunset cruise. The Florida Keys is well known for its beautiful and captivating sunsets and they never disappoint! The cruise departs from the south side of the island allowing you to see the beautiful Atlantic Ocean. From there you will be heading through the natural mangrove sanctuaries where you will get to see Dolphins, beautiful native birds, and manatees before you head out to watch the beautiful sunset.

Where To Stay

Seafarer Resort and Beach – These beautiful waterfront cottages are located just a stone’s throw away from the center of Key Largo. The resort has everything you need for a comfortable stay and is family-owned and operated.

With various accommodations to choose from, you will be spoilt for choice right from family-owned properties to large resorts. There is something to suit everyone’s budget and taste. There are various accommodations to choose from, right from family-owned properties to large resorts. There is something to suit everyone. 

As newlyweds, think of how lovely it’ll be to spend your honeymoon at one of these best beach towns in Florida. 

Wake up to the sound of waves with your morning coffee, overlooking pristine beaches surrounded by warm water.

Whether it’s total relaxation or adventure you’re after, you will not be disappointed when choosing to stay in any of these beach towns in Florida.

The Author
This guest post has been contributed by Lorena Maia, one of the people behind the TravelCroc blog. Lorena has been lucky enough to have lived in South America, Australia, and Europe and currently calls Sydney, Australia home. She absolutely loves traveling and sharing her travel experiences on her blog.